It can be frightening to face a DUI or driving while under the influence charge in Millard. If the evidence is strong, often the odds may be against you. Potential consequences include losing one’s driver’s license, paying fines, or spending time in jail. While the adverse effects of being convicted of a DUI are significant and a positive outcome may look unlikely, the assistance of a skilled attorney can help you obtain the best result for your future.
If you have been charged with a DUI in Millard, our lawyers will relentlessly fight for your rights to obtain the best outcome for you. People make mistakes–we do not believe those charged with a DUI should spend years paying for a lapse in judgment. For nearly 60 years, the experienced attorneys at Berry Law have provided aggressive and skillful representation against DUI charges in and out of the courtroom.
The Cost of a DUI in Millard, NE
DUI cases are taken seriously, and the laws related to them reflect this reality. Since the pandemic, there has been an increase in car crashes involving individuals drinking over the legal limit. DUI laws serve two purposes. First, they are put in place to protect other drivers. Second, fines issued as part of a DUI conviction generate considerable funding for local government.
As a result of Nebraska’s strict DUI laws, prosecutors take such allegations seriously. Not only does being charged with a DUI come with hefty fines, but the penalties can be severe too. An individual’s prior criminal record directly influences the potential penalties they may face. You need an attorney on your side who can effectively and competently handle DUI cases in Millard, NE.
DUI Fines and Jail Time
First-time DUI offenders in Nebraska can expect to spend anywhere from seven to 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. They can also expect to lose their driver’s license for up to six months after a conviction. In some cases, a probationary period may be permitted, allowing the individual charged an opportunity to avoid jail.
Repeat offenders face the following potential penalties:
- Second-time offenders:
- 30 to 180 days in jail
- $500 fine
- 18-month revocation of driver’s license
- Third-time offenders:
- 90 days to one year in jail
- $1,000 fine
- 15-year revocation of driver’s license
- Fourth-time offenders:
- 180 days to three years in prison
- $10,000 fine
- 15-year revocation of driver’s license
- Fifth-time offenders or more:
- Up to 20 years in prison
- Up to a $25,000 fine
- 15-year revocation of driver’s license
If you are charged with a DUI in Millard, NE, you want a highly skilled and experienced DUI attorney serving the area, with a proven track record for success.
What to Expect After Being Arrested for a DUI
After being arrested for a DUI in Millard, you will likely spend the night in jail, lose your driver’s license, have an arraignment hearing, and potentially go to trial.
Losing Your License
Those who are arrested for a DUI will have their driver’s license suspended. The suspension may last anywhere from 60 days to 15 years, depending on various factors. With the help of a drunk driving lawyer serving Millard, an individual charged with DUI can apply for an ignition interlock device. This device attaches to the individual’s vehicle and prevents the engine from starting until the driver blows into the device and proves they are not under the influence.
Arraignment
Following an arrest, an individual charged with DUI will be arraigned. The arraignment hearing involves going to court to enter a plea. Since this is such a pivotal moment, being represented by a DUI lawyer at your arraignment in Millard is essential to creating a strategy that best suits your situation. At the arraignment, if the individual pleads not guilty, a trial date will be scheduled.
The Trial
The trial does not always take place immediately after arraignment. It can take months for a trial to happen. While this may seem like an inconvenience, this preparation time is necessary for the defendant to work closely with their DUI attorney to gather research, review evidence, subpoena witnesses, and engage in negotiations with the prosecution. All of these steps will help ensure a strong legal defense for trial and help the defendant present the defense they deserve.
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The Consequence of a DUI in Millard
If someone is found guilty of DUI, the ripple effect can greatly affect themselves and those they love. Potential consequences such as jail time, fines, and suspension of a driver’s license can negatively impact the individual’s ability to keep a job, pay bills, and maintain their overall quality of life.
Aside from time in jail or prison, having the inability to drive for an extended period of time is significantly limiting. Moreover, having a criminal record can directly influence a person’s ability to obtain or maintain employment. Whether or not these consequences are fair is not up for debate. They are a reality of being found guilty, which is why finding the best DUI attorney is so important.
How a DUI Lawyer Can Help
There is much to consider when being charged with DUI in Nebraska. All of the unknowns and questions that come with such a charge can be overwhelming. Emotions are natural and come with any uncomfortable situation.
The important step to take is to speak with an attorney who has been there before, can ease your concerns, and provide the strategic defense needed most. Someone facing jail time, fines, and penalties cannot gather evidence, speak with witnesses, communicate with opposing counsel, or take other necessary steps to adequately defend themselves in a trial, let alone handle an arraignment. Therefore, hiring a DUI lawyer is crucial.
Contact Berry Law for a DUI Lawyer
At Berry Law, we are dedicated to providing our clients with the DUI lawyer they need and the representation they deserve. Our team has fought to protect our clients’ constitutional rights for decades. As a result of our team’s diligent work, thousands of clients have trusted us with their cases and, more importantly, their futures.
We are proud members of the community, and we are honored to serve fellow Nebraskans when they need us most. With our relentless team on your side, you can be confident that we have your back. Contact us right away so we can help you with your case today.